Nicky’s Buying Diary: Paris

Calexico’s Director, Nicky Charman makes the pilgrimage to Paris each year to hand-pick the new season collections for Calexico (hey, it’s a tough gig, but somebody’s got to do it). Fresh off the plane and well fed, we got the low down on her Paris buying diary — here’s where she eats, sleeps, and plays in the city of light.

STAY

The Hoxton Hotel

A chic hotel bursting with 18th century charm in the historic 2nd arrondissement, The Hoxton’s appeal has to be the location, a neighbourhood famous for its beautiful architecture and great food. By day the cobbled streets are packed with open-air markets and boutiques, and by night the bars and dining options are endless. A new favourite.

EAT

Pink Mamma

A four-story, Italian-lover’s dream, this very cool Paris eatery is worth a visit for the décor alone — from the speakeasy-esque basement to the insanely charming rooftop glasshouse, you’ll be won over. The food here is just as impressive, with traditional Italian dishes as good as the best you’ll find in Rome.

Balagan

Tucked into the Rue Mont-Thabor — a strip densely packed with some impressive dining options, parrallel to Saint-Honoré — you’ll find Balagan, an experimental dining experience lead by some of Europe’s best Israeli chefs. A playful Middle Eastern menu unlike anything you’ve experienced, not to mention some of the best cocktails you’ll find in Paris, makes this an essential fine dining experience in Paris.

Carbón

The beautifully minimal Carbón restaurant gets back to basics, using fire and local produce to produce simple and impressive dishes. The underground speakeasy bar, La Mina is also a favourite for a drink on a cold night.

Café Charlot

A classic French bistro, Café Charlot has the kind of old-Paris charm that makes you swoon for the city all over again. Tucked into an old bakery in one of the oldest covered markets in Paris, this picturesque café has a retro atmosphere and classic Parisian fare.

Salatim

A cosy Israeli café serving up a heartening Middle Eastern-influenced brunch menu, this was a favourite for breakfast.

DO

Dynamo

Dynamo is an uber-trendy cycling class incorporating abs, pumps, and dumbells to sculpt your body in 45 action-packed minuets. A must-try while in Paris, if only to work off the pastries.

Juergen Teller Exhibition: Legs, Snails and Peaches

One of the most subversive photographers of his generation, Juergen Teller’s chic and shocking photography is a favourite, and his latest show, Legs, Snails and Peaches at the Galerie Suzanne Tarasieve is raw and completely unforgettable. Well worth a visit.

Calexico Boutique is an international designer boutique based on James Street in Brisbane. The boutique currently houses over 85 international fashion labels, including Rag and Bone, Acne Studios, Isabel Marant and Helmut Lang, and offers a unique shopping experience with exclusive weekly arrivals and complimentary in store styling sessions.